Keith Duffy has announced that he plans to take part in IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland for a second year, having taken part in the inaugural event last September. This year’s event takes part in Galway on Sunday 2nd September 2012, and Keith will be racing as part of ‘TEAM DUFFY’ to raise funds for Irish Autism Action, of which he is patron. Keith began his efforts to raise awareness after his own daughter Mia was diagnosed with the neuro-developmental disorder at only eighteen months old.
Last year the inaugural race saw a range of athletes from across the world competing alongside Keith and TEAM DUFFY, with many familiar Ironman names including Lucy Gossage and Rachel Joyce on the starting line, The race also offers qualifying slots for the 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas which appeals to competitive age groupers, eager to get an opportunity to race for their country.
The iconic race begins with a 1.9k swim in Galway Bay before being followed by a scenic 90K bike course on the gateway route of Connemara. The 21.1km run follows through Galway and Salthill, passing a number of local landmarks along the way, enabling the athletes to take in some of the beautiful surrounding scenery of the Irish countryside.
Keith Duffy is renowned for his tireless campaigning and fundraising work for Irish Autism Action.
In 2011, Keith and Team Duffy managed to raise a staggering €40,000 for the charity by competing in Ironman 70.3. He said, "I can’t wait for the challenge of taking on IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland for the second year in a row – I have some unfinished business and want to achieve an even better result this year. It is an amazing opportunity to take part in such an iconic race held on our own soil. It really adds to the appeal of the event for me.” He continued “I’m delighted to represent Irish Autism Action as their patron and encourage people to join TEAM DUFFY for the 2012 event. I look forward to seeing you all over there in September. Bring it on!”
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK and Ireland said, “We are really excited to be welcoming back Keith for a second year to race IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland. He is a great ambassador for our sport and his fundraising work is hugely admirable.” He continues, “We welcome a wide range of athletes at the event, from those doing their first 70.3 race to internationally renowned competitors. This is a great chance to get involved in a scenic and challenging race towards the end of the 2012 season and we hope you will come and join Keith this September.”
To find out more about how to join Keith and to be a part of TEAM DUFFY , email Colette Charles at Irish Autism Action on [email protected] or by phoning (Ireland) 044 9342576.
More information about the race itself, along with details of how to enter and volunteer can be found by visiting www.ironmanireland.com
Charity info:
Irish Autism Action is a national charity providing a range of services to families affected by autism, as well as supporting 13 schools for children with autism across the country. These services include, but are not limited to, advocacy support, educational support through a network of ABA schools nationally, fundraising support, research and the provision of respite summer camps. Funds raised by Keith and the rest of Team Duffy will go towards supporting autism services in Ireland. For further information, visit their website on www.autismireland.ie
